Your 2026 Mail Alert: Here Are All 11 Days the USPS Will Be Closed Next Year

Alright, let's talk about planning ahead, because who wants to be caught off guard when you're trying to send out that important letter or, you know, waiting for a package? The U.S. Postal Service, just like many other federal agencies, observes a set schedule of federal holidays each year. And in 2026, there are 11 such days when regular mail delivery will pause, and most post office locations will be shut tight.

It's super important to mark these dates down, especially if you're a small business owner, frequently send packages, or just rely on timely mail. Knowing these closures in advance can really save you some headaches and help you plan your shipments or correspondence perfectly. Let's walk through the full list for 2026 so you can get everything squared away.

Kicking off the year, we've got New Year's Day on Wednesday, January 1st. What a way to start, right? No mail delivery as we're all still recovering from the festivities, or maybe just making new resolutions.

Mid-January brings us Martin Luther King, Jr.'s Birthday on Monday, January 19th. A significant day of observance, and yes, the post office takes the day to honor it.

Come February, we'll see Presidents Day, officially known as Washington's Birthday, observed on Monday, February 16th. A nice long weekend for many, but remember, no postal services.

As spring turns into summer, Memorial Day arrives on Monday, May 25th. This somber yet important holiday means another day off for our postal carriers.

Relatively new to the federal calendar, Juneteenth National Independence Day will be observed on Friday, June 19th. It’s always good to see this day getting the recognition it deserves, and that means a postal holiday too.

Ah, the Fourth of July! Always a big one. Independence Day falls on a Saturday in 2026, specifically July 4th. Now, because it's a Saturday, the federal observed holiday for postal services will actually be the day before, Friday, July 3rd. So, if you're planning on sending out those last-minute BBQ invites or thank you notes, keep that Friday closure in mind.

Wrapping up summer, we have Labor Day on Monday, September 7th. It's a classic end-of-summer celebration, and yep, no mail runs on this day.

As we head into the crisp autumn, Columbus Day (also known by some as Indigenous Peoples' Day) is on Monday, October 12th. Another Monday, another postal pause.

A crucial day to honor those who've served, Veterans Day is observed on Wednesday, November 11th. So, if you're sending a card to a veteran, plan to do so before or after this mid-week closure.

Of course, a staple of late autumn is Thanksgiving Day, which falls on Thursday, November 26th in 2026. This means a long holiday weekend for many, including the USPS.

And finally, to cap off the year, we have Christmas Day on Friday, December 25th. Naturally, a universal holiday closure, giving everyone a chance to celebrate with loved ones.

So there you have it – all 11 dates for 2026. Keep this list handy! While regular mail and post office retail services will be closed on these days, it's worth noting that some Priority Mail Express items might still be delivered. But for most folks, it’s best to just assume no service and plan accordingly. Happy mailing, or rather, happy pre-planning your mailing!